Gap Arborist Supply
Tree Bracing Rods
Threaded rods for bracing weak unions and split stems in trees.
Cabling & Bracing
Representative photo. Check the retailer listing for the exact model, color and size.
Photo: Project 365 #278: 051011 Going Nuts by comedy_nose, Public domain
Extra-high-strength galvanized steel strand for tree support systems.
EHS cable is extra-high-strength galvanized steel strand, the standard choice for steel tree cabling systems. Its 7-wire construction and high breaking strength make it suitable for supporting weak unions and heavy limbs when installed as part of a properly designed system.
Tree cables carry real loads in wind and under snow and ice, and they are often over homes, driveways and play areas. EHS strand has a much higher breaking strength than common grade cable of the same diameter, which is why it is the usual choice for steel cabling systems. Some people search for ehs cord or cable ehs, but the product is the same: extra-high-strength galvanized strand.
The cable size depends on the size of the limbs and the system design. Larger stems and longer spans call for larger strand and matching hardware.
The breaking strengths listed in the specs are for EHS strand to ASTM A475. A cabling system is never loaded close to breaking strength. Designs include a large safety margin to allow for dynamic loads, wear and the condition of the wood.
EHS cable is used with eye bolts or lags, thimbles and dead-end grips or other approved terminations. All components should be rated to work together. Tree support systems should be designed and installed by a qualified arborist following ANSI A300 (Part 3) and ANSI Z133, and inspected regularly once installed.
Handle strand with gloves, cut it with proper cable cutters and keep ends taped to prevent unraveling. Browse matching eye bolts and other cabling and bracing supplies.
| Type | Galvanized 7-wire steel strand |
|---|---|
| Grade | Extra-high-strength (EHS), ASTM A475 |
| 1/4 in breaking strength | 6,650 lb |
| 5/16 in breaking strength | 11,200 lb |
| 3/8 in breaking strength | 15,400 lb |
| Priced | Typical price shown for a short coil, see listing |
Specs are from the manufacturer's published figures where available. Confirm against the product listing before you buy.
EHS stands for extra-high-strength, a grade of galvanized steel strand with higher breaking strength than common or high-strength grades.
It depends on the limb sizes and system design. A qualified arborist should size the cable following ANSI A300 Part 3.